Breaking News: Nuggets Fire Michael Malone, Calvin Booth with 3 Games Left

In a shocking move just days before the NBA playoffs, the Denver Nuggets have parted ways with head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth. This decision comes amid a four-game losing streak that has seen the Nuggets’ record fall to 47-32, placing them fourth in the Western Conference.

Malone, who took the helm in 2015, transformed the Nuggets from a struggling franchise dealing with the loss of Carmelo Anthony into a championship contender. His tenure peaked with the team’s first-ever NBA title in 2023. Despite recent reports that have highlighted tensions between Malone and ownership, disagreements over team strategy and player development leading to a divided locker room, no one could have seen this coming. No coach has more wins (252) over the last five years than Malone.

Booth, named general manager in 2022, played a pivotal role in assembling the roster that clinched the 2023 championship. Despite this success, internal conflicts regarding the team’s direction have overshadowed the front office’s achievements.

The timing of these dismissals, on the cusp of the postseason, raises questions about the Nuggets’ immediate future and their performance in the playoffs. With the team still boasting talent like Nikola Jokić, who recorded his 32nd triple-double of the season with a 41-point performance Sunday, the Nuggets have the potential to make a significant impact.  The Nuggets hope the change helps point the team in the right direction.

Lead assistant David Adelman will serve as the interim head coach for Denver. The Nuggets will look for a long-term coach and GM this offseason, and their level of playoff success will go a long way toward shaping those decisions.